India’s paper imports surged 8% in Q1 FY26 to 486,000 tonnes, with sharp rises from China and ASEAN, intensifying concerns over predatory imports threatening domestic mills and industry viability.
Aug 27, 2025
India’s paper and paperboard imports have continued their upward trend in the current financial year, posing serious challenges to the domestic industry. According to the latest import data released by the Department of Commerce, Government of India, imports rose by 8% in the first quarter of FY26, reaching 486,000 tonnes compared with 452,000 tonnes in the same period last year.
Of particular concern is the sharp rise in imports from certain geographies. Imports from China surged by a staggering 28% to 143,000 tonnes during April-June 2025, consolidating China’s position as the single largest source of paper imports into India. Imports from ASEAN countries also recorded a significant jump, rising to 92,000 tonnes from 78,000 tonnes in the year-ago quarter.
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The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has voiced deep concern over the relentless surge in predatory imports, which shows no sign of abating. “The continued rise in paper imports, particularly from China and ASEAN, is hurting the competitiveness of the domestic paper industry. Despite significant investments in capacity and sustainability initiatives, Indian paper manufacturers are struggling with underutilised plants due to the influx of predatory imports. This is not only destabilising the market but also rendering several small and medium paper mills commercially unviable,” said Mr Pawan Agarwal, President, IPMA.
He further pointed out that, according to DPIIT data, out of about 900 paper mills in India, only 550 are currently operational. “The indiscriminate increase in imports threatens the viability of many more mills, with serious implications for rural employment, the recycling ecosystem, and the farm sector linked with the industry,” Mr Agarwal cautioned.
IPMA noted that in FY25, India’s annual paper imports had already crossed the 2 million tonne mark, valued at INR 14,629 crore, doubling over the past four years, with China alone contributing to over a quarter of the total. “The Q1 FY26 data makes it clear that this pressure on the domestic industry is not easing – in fact, it is intensifying,” Mr Agarwal emphasised.
IPMA has been urging the government for urgent policy interventions to curb predatory imports of paper and paperboard. “The domestic industry requires a level playing field through appropriate tariff and non-tariff measures, stricter quality checks, and a review of trade agreements granting duty-free or concessional access to imports,” Mr Agarwal said.
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“The Indian paper industry, with its strong manufacturing base and deep integration with the circular economy, stands fully capable of meeting the nation’s growing demand for paper, provided unfair import surges are effectively addressed”, said Mr Rohit Pandit, Secretary General IPMA.
| India’s Imports of Paper & Paperboard (DGCI&S) | ||||
| Year | Thousand Tonnes | |||
| Total | China | ASEAN | S Korea | |
| 2020-21 | 1,084.70 | 145.9 | 145.2 | 63.8 |
| 2021-22 | 1,145.80 | 145.8 | 148.3 | 64.7 |
| 2022-23 | 1,436.50 | 341 | 266.5 | 81.7 |
| 2023-24 | 1,929.10 | 411.4 | 514.1 | 103.4 |
| 2024-25 | 2,055.30 | 547.3 | 415.1 | 99.4 |
| 4 Year CAGR (%) | 17.33 | 39.17 | 30.03 | 11.72 |
| 2024-25 (April to June) | 451.8 | 111.6 | 77.8 | 21.2 |
| 2025-26 (April to June) | 486.3 | 142.6 | 91.5 | 18.4 |
| Growth over Last Year (%) | 7.64 | 27.78 | 17.61 | -13.21 |
